Top Things to Do In London

With an immense amount of sights, events, entertainment and history in the capital, it's hard to know where to start. One thing to remember is that many of its world-class collections, including the British Museum and National Gallery, are free to enter. Many of London's top museums are clustered in plush South Kensington, such as the V&A and the kid-friendly Natural History Museum. It's also here that you'll find the Royal Albert Hall, which is one of many London top venues for classical music. We also love the venues for seeing the vast city from above, such as The View From The Shard and London Eye.

A few of our favourite things to see, if you are short of time, include world-class art at the National Gallery and Tate Modern and which brings out the traditional and cutting edge cerations. Of course London's nightlife is all the more special with its theatre scene where you'll find family-friendly shows such as War Horse and Matilda the Musical, plus outdoor shows in the long summer evenings. Our tip for hunting down tickets is the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square, where on the day you'll have a pick of discounted seats.

Whether it’s the controversial Elgin Marble or new X-ray imagery of Egyptian mummies, the museum's treasures are vast in quantity and variety—and there are more than 7 million items to blow your mind, and free to visit. It first opened in 1754, but the two-acre Queen Elizabeth Great Court, opened in 2000, adds a modern touch.

Often the best way to get acquainted with a city is from the air. From your capsule of the observation wheel, taking 30 minutes to rotate, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the city with the River Thames snaking through. We think the best time of day is during a long sunset. Head to the Eye's 4D Experience afterwards—with bubbles and mist.

From Van Gogh to Da Vinci and Vermeer, see some of the world’s most impressive collection of Western European art—for free. Added to that, we love the free lunchtime recitals, talks from experts, and gorgeous café-restaurant on the ground floor. Look out for temporary exhibitions in the Sainsbury’s Wing, usually something pretty major.

The HQ of British democracy is a riverside edifice which, when lit at night, is breathtaking. Take a guided tour in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament, through the Members Lobby and the Commons Chamber, where the warring politicians engage in political debate. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Terrace Pavilion.

Since Queen Victoria opened this music venue in 1871, thousands of people have enjoyed grand concerts, dance and tennis tournaments in the huge vaulted hall. It doesn’t have to be pricey—at the annual BBC Proms festival of concerts (July-Sept), you can get a ticket for the upper tier or "promming" section in front of stage for just £5.

London is famous for its weekend markets, especially East London's busy stalls selling retro gear and ethnic foods. Over in West London, Portobello Road's busy Saturday antique market sees over a thousand dealers tempt with every type of antique and collectible. We'd advise you to get there early to snap up the best deals.

Sweeping views of the city from the top of The Shard (image courtesy of The View From The Shard)

Part of a slew of sleek new skyscrapers dominating the panorama, this is Western Europe’s tallest building, with dizzying view of up to 40 miles from the viewing platform. There's also a group of bars and restaurants half way up, plus London's highest champagne bar. Don’t miss the caricatures of famous Brits at the entrance.

A night out in London often means enjoying its extensive theatre scene, from longstanding musicals to cutting-edge dramas in tiny studio theatres. The National Theatre has an ever-changing repertoire of dramas, and in summer head to open-air performances in Regent’s Park and Shakespeare's Globe. Many, like War Horse, are for all ages.

Once a gargantuan power station, Tate Modern is now home to top contemporary and modern art – Warhol, Emin, Koons and Kapoor and plenty of temporary exhibitions. Many are free, such as installations in the immense Turbine Hall where Ai Weiwei had his famous Sunflower Seeds installation. The restaurant on Floor 6 has fabulous views.

Venue of the world-famous Wimbledon Championships, the museum shows off centuries of history of the sport (image courtesy of Wimbledon Museum)

Most of July is dominated by the Wimbledon Championships, which sees the tennis world's crème-de-la-crème compete for the major sporting trophy. But year round you can tour the hallowed centre court, and see iconic trophies and fashions stretching back to the 1700s. You’ll even see a "ghost" of John "Mac the Mouth" McEnroe!

With a wondrous collection of art and design exhibits from around the world, founded in 1852, it’s hard to know where to being – although we like to start on the top floor and work down. Travel the world through thousands of years of creativity, from immense Indian Buddhist sculptures to delicate Art Deco silver teapots.

It’s home to Greenwich Mean Time, where you can stand astride two hemispheres, the world’s Prime Meridian line. Head inside the museum to London’s only planetarium, explore how scientists mapped out the seas and stars and see the UK’s largest refracting telescope—look out for special evenings where you can go stargazing.